Ohtani’s Choice Could Have Shifted World Series Landscape

UPDATE: As the 2025 World Series kicks off tonight in Toronto, fans are buzzing with a tantalizing “what if” scenario: What if Shohei Ohtani had signed with the Toronto Blue Jays instead of the Los Angeles Dodgers? This alternate reality looms large as Ohtani steps up for his first at-bat in the Fall Classic, showcasing the Dodgers’ uniforms he’s worn for the past two seasons.

Just before Ohtani’s decision on December 8, 2023, the baseball world was abuzz with speculation. A private jet, tail number N616RH, sparked rumors that Ohtani was en route to Toronto. Fans flocked to the airport, only to find it was not Ohtani but “Shark Tank” judge Robert Herjavec on board. Hours later, Ohtani confirmed via Instagram that he chose the Dodgers, sending shockwaves through the league.

In another world, Roki Sasaki may have joined Ohtani in Toronto, further amplifying the Blue Jays’ fortunes. After making waves as a top free agent, Sasaki was courted by the Blue Jays, Dodgers, and Padres. His decision ultimately favored the Dodgers as well, leaving Toronto to ponder what could have been.

With Ohtani’s historic production absent, the Dodgers’ performance would have been notably diminished. Over the last two seasons, Ohtani accumulated a staggering 16.9 bWAR—9.2 in 2024 and 7.7 in 2025—making his impact irreplaceable. Estimates suggest the Dodgers could have reallocated funds, potentially yielding a value of 5 wins per season through alternative free-agent signings, but would still fall short of Ohtani’s contributions.

Meanwhile, the Blue Jays, who underperformed with a 74-88 record in 2024, would have likely thrived with Ohtani on their roster. Adding Ohtani’s projected 7.7 bWAR for 2025 to their lineup could have propelled Toronto into contention, significantly raising their playoff odds from 7% to an estimated 15% in simulations.

This alternate timeline doesn’t just affect team dynamics; it raises emotional stakes for fans in both cities. Toronto’s hopes for a championship could have dramatically shifted with Ohtani’s dual prowess as a pitcher and hitter. The Dodgers, conversely, might have scrambled to fill the void left by his departure, leading to more aggressive offseason moves to secure their rotation and lineup.

As the World Series unfolds, the narrative of Ohtani’s choice continues to cast a shadow over both franchises. With the Dodgers and Blue Jays battling for the title, the implications of what could have been are palpable. Could a Blue Jays team featuring Ohtani have made a deeper playoff run? Would the Dodgers have remained a powerhouse without him?

WHAT’S NEXT? Fans and analysts alike will keep a close watch on how these teams perform in the World Series. The outcome may further ignite discussions about the impact of free-agent decisions on championship success. For now, as Ohtani prepares for Game 1, the echoes of “what if” resonate louder than ever in the baseball community.